42 is just a number...

in my life. I'm struggling through some things right now. My mind does terrible things to me at times. I'm not maudlin because I'm aging; however, my eyesight is in the dumps and my wrinkles and gray hairs increase exponentially. ha! I just become increasingly introspective around this time every year.
I recently said to someone that our 40's are for figuring out why we are the way we are and focusing on the life lessons that spring from our experiences. That IS a good thing but difficult as well. As I wade through what little is left of my father's life, I am grateful I learned some important life lessons. I don't think he ever did. He never learned how to live in this world. He was gifted at many things, full of potential. He let life eat him up. He never made those hard choices in life. He let his bad choices lead his life for him.
I've made some horrible choices. Maybe you have, too. But I always knew there was more to me than my bad choices. I learned I could recover from my bad choices if I just did the next right thing. It's a joke in recovery that the world would be a better place if everyone had to go through a twelve step program. Personal responsibility, accountability, service to others before self. These are all lessons I'm grateful for. Peace~

Great news for Ty.

I recently attended the annual review of Tyler's ARD. This committee reviews the special services Tyler receives and monitors his progress. I am happy to report that several items were discontinued off the ARD because he has mastered the skill. All of these were in the area of reading comprehension. My little man is maturing and beginning to excel. So proud of him and blessed to have a great team working with Ty. Peace~

The end of wondering...

Yesterday, I received the news that I thought I had prepared myself for. My father has died alone. There is some relief now knowing he's gone. He couldn't live life on life's terms. He has gone to a better place. I have closure to all those little girl feelings of wishing for her father. I hope he can find peace where he's gone. Peace~

Auld Lang Syne...

Another year has come and gone. I look back on this year and feel blessed beyond measure. I've reconnected with important people, Tyler has matured and excelled, Jordan is no longer a teen, and our Emily continues to bless me with laughter and patience. I look forward to another year of my life. Peace, my dear sweet friends~Blessings on you and yours in 2011!

Joy stealers

I'm filled with thoughts this morning, so please indulge me momentarily. There are those people that cross our paths that are so damaged. All they can do is TRY and steal our joy. They need others to join in their pain so they will inflict it on those who love them. Don't let them take little pieces of your soul. Pray for them, forgive them, and focus on what is beautiful in your life. Peace, my friends~

Thankful...

Parent/Teacher conference or THE BEST NEWS EVER.....you decide

Last Tuesday was the most wonderful day EVER! Not only did I get to spend time with energetic, booger wiping pre-schoolers, I also had the most wonderful parent/teacher conference with Tyler's team of teachers. He has an amazing team! Mr. Adams is his Social Studies/Math teacher and super hero action figure collector (very cool), Miss Cason (a.k.a pretty young thing) is his homeroom/reading teacher and Mrs. Royal is his resource teacher.
I alluded to the idea in a previous post that we as a family had decided Ty had matured over the summer or had an awakening. My jaw dropped when Mrs. Royal confirmed my suspicions. She told his teachers that she has seen NIGHT and DAY in Ty's performance from last year to this year. He focuses, he asks questions and he participates.
Mrs. Royal is now working on tools for Ty to use to help him remember things, charts and calendars, lists and mneumonic devices. He is starting to realize he needs these things and this is a HUGE step for him in his development. If we can give him these tools, it will free up his brain for learning instead of trying to remember everything he's supposed to do in his daily life.
This has been one more instance where I have been amazed at the human brain. I don't like to think of what could have been, but when I do think that way...God amazes me through the MIRACLE (and yes, he's OUR miracle) that is my son. Peace~